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HomeMy WebLinkAbout00072306 City of College Station Development Services P. O. Box 9960 - 1101 Texas Avenue • • College Station, Texas 77842 (979) 764-3570 PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE (PRC) MEETING April 9, 2002 TO: Bill Girdley, via fax 214-525-4066 FROM: PRC Review Subcommittee: John Happ, P&Z Commissioner Kyle Hawthorne, P&Z Commissioner Phil Trapani, P&Z Commissioner Staff Attending: Natalie Ruiz, Development Review Manager Bridgette George, Asst. Development Review Manager Jessica Jimmerson, Staff Planner Molly Hitchcock, Staff Planner Jennifer Reeves, Staff Planner Tammy Macik, Secretary SUBJECT: CulpeppeLlM F/Sprint - Discussion and consideration of the proposal of a stealth wireless telecommunication facility located at 319 A College Avenue in Northgate. (02-32) The PRC held a meeting on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 to review the above- mentioned project. Staff Planner Hitchcock stated that stealth has not been proposed in the Northgate area before. Ms. Hitchcock added that with the amount of cell towers that we are accumulating, plus the separation requirements, it is becoming more difficult to place cell towers in the community without going stealth. Staff Planner Hitchcock also stated that the Board had the discretion of the aesthetics and the stealth technology, but this decision would go as a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Staff Planner Hitchcock mentioned the same type of cell tower and size was approved behind Grace Bible Church. Commissioner Trapani asked about the FCC rules for denying a tower and the legal ramifications. Staff Planner Hitchcock stated as a Conditional Use Permit, there were several things P&Z was going to determine about this site. Such items were: the height of the tower; surrounding topography and tree coverage as it related to the skyline impact; the design of the tower; the R:\HTLTR\PZLTR\PROD\PZ2002\P0006032. DOC i proximity of the towers to residential structures and district boundaries; economic impacts on adjacent and near by properties; proposed ingress and egress; and the availability of suitable alternatives. The Commission could mitigate some of those factors or deny the CUP on any one. Commissioner Happ stated that the City should be happy that businesses were willing to use stealth technology. Commissioner Trapani made the motion to send the recommendation to the P&Z as submitted. Commissioner Happ seconded the motion. Commissioner Happ asked the applicant how often they would access the site. Mr. Girdley stated that they normally would access the cell tower site once a month-- maybe once every two months. They access it for routine maintenance and that would be done late at night. Commissioner Trapani asked about the chances of the top of the tower being expanded. Mr. Girdley stated that the total height of the structure of the first three antennas would be 80-foot level above ground. The second set would be at the 74.5-foot level. They would have 3 antennas at the first level and 3 antennas at the second level and they would all be enclosed inside the capsule. Mr. Girdley stated that the Board could request that the tower be painted any color or choose to leave it galvanized gray since the previously approved tower was green. Commissioner Happ asked if there was a light on top. Mr. Girdley stated no. Commissioner Trapani included in the motion to leave the natural color of the tower in the recommendation. The motion passed 3-0. R:\HTLTR\PZLTR\PRO D\PZ2002\P0006032. DOC Status: OK To: Margaret Menta Sprint Com, Inc. 1-214-525-4066,,,,152 3/21/02 14:50:28 Page 3 of 3 PROJECT REVIEW COMMITTEE STAFF REPORT Prepared by: Molly Hitchcock Date: March 20, 2002 CULPEPPER SPRINT WTF (02-032) All proposals involving site development or redevelopment in the Northgate District shall require approval from the Project Review Committee. Zoning District: NG-2 Commercial Northgate Location: 319 A South College Applicant: Margaret Menta for Sprint Com, Inc. Item Summary: The applicant is proposing a stealth wireless telecommunication facility that, upon approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission, will be located at the northwest corner of the University Square shopping center at the corner of University Drive and South College. The tower is proposed to resemble a light standard, be painted green, and be placed close to the building with the base and equipment shed screened by an eight-foot wooden fence. The tower will reach a height of 84 feet but the light fixtures will be at 20 feet. As per Section 8.20 of the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning and Zoning Commission will have final authority over appropriateness of the land use and items that may be necessary to mitigate any negative impacts. Recommendations of the Project Review Committee will be forwarded to the P&Z for their consideration. Issues/Items for Review: 1. Architectural character 2. Site design Supporting Materials: 1. Application 2. Site plan 3. Visual analysis submittal STAFF REPORT Project Manager: Molly Hitchcock Date: April 5, 2002 Email: mhitchcock@ci.college-station.tx.us Item: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a conditional use permit and site plan for the Sprint Culpepper WTF located at 319 A College Avenue. (02-032) Applicant: Sprint Com, Inc. Staff Recommendation: If the Commission approves the stealth design of the tower, Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit and site plan with Staff Review Comments No. 3. Item Summary: The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit and site plan approval for a new 84-ft. stealth tower to be located behind the University Square Shopping Center (near the corner of University Drive and College Avenue). The shopping center is abutted to the north by a large, vacant NG-3 Residential Northgate tract that is currently owned by the university. To the west are the Ramparts Apartments in NG-3 and the Mud Lot in NG-2 Commercial Northgate. The subject property is currently zoned NG-2. Because Northgate is a special district, major facilities (transmission towers greater than 35 feet in height) are only allowed if they are stealth. It is at the Commission's discretion to approve the tower's stealth technology design. The tower does meet the separation requirement from a residential structure (84 feet from the Ramparts) and the setback condition imposed for structure heights over 50 feet in NG-2 (25 feet from College Avenue). The proposed tower will be placed behind the shopping center, beside the building at its northwest corner. Intended to resemble a light standard, there will be two 6-ft. arms extended out from the tower twenty feet above the ground. Each arm will have a 70-watt lithonia light shinning down on the ground equipment. An eight-foot wooden fence will enclose a 300 sq.ft. area around the base of the facility. Comprehensive Plan Considerations: The Land Use Plan shows the entire Northgate area as appropriate for redevelopment. The Thoroughfare Plan classifies College as a major arterial. Item Background: The subject property was established as part of the city when it incorporated in 1938. Since the property has not changed its configuration 1 since the city began applying subdivision regulations in 1970, a plat has not been required of the property. The commission has previously approved stealth towers at 703 Anderson (Grace Bible Church) and 207 Dominik with the same design. WTF Considerations: In addition to the standard CUP guidelines (described below), the Commission shall consider the following additional factors when determining whether to grant a CUP for a telecommunication facility: 1. Height of the proposed tower, surrounding topography and tree coverage and foliage as they relate to: a. Skyline impact, examining whether the proportions of the structure appears to dominate or blend in with the surrounding environment and b. Shadow impact, whether or not the proposed tower will cast shadows that would prevent the reasonable use of enjoyment or surrounding properties. 2. Design of the tower, with particular reference to design characteristics that have the effect of reducing or eliminating visual obtrusiveness. The Zoning Ordinance defines stealth technology as: design technology that blends the wireless telecommunications facility into the surrounding environment; examples of stealth facilities include but are not limited to architecturally screened roof-mounted antennas, building- mounted antennas painted and/or textured to match the existing structure, antennas integrated into architectural elements such as church spires or window wall, and antenna structures designed to resemble light poles or flag poles. 3. Proximity of the tower to residential structures and residential district boundaries. 4. Economic impact on adjacent and nearby properties. 5. Proposed ingress and egress. 6. Availability of suitable alternatives and/or existing support structures. Staff Analysis: Section 14 of the Zoning Ordinance authorizes the existence of conditional uses. The Commission may permit a conditional use subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards, when after public notice and hearing the Commission finds that: (Staff comments are in italics) 1. "The proposed use meets all the minimum standards established in the ordinance for the type of use proposed." Staff conducted a technical review 2 and found general compliance with development regulations with the exception of the comment listed in Staff Review Comments No. 3. 2. "That the proposed use meets the purpose and intent of the ordinance and is in harmony with the development policies and goals and objectives as embodied in the Comprehensive Plan for Development of the City. The request is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. 3. "That the proposed use will not be detrimental to the health, welfare, and safety of the surrounding neighborhood or its occupants, nor be substantially or permanently injurious to neighboring property." The public hearing is an opportunity for the Commission to measure the potential impact on surrounding land uses. The Commission may impose additional reasonable restrictions or conditions to carry out the spirit and intent of the ordinance and to mitigate adverse effects of the proposed use. These requirements may include, but are not limited to, increased open space, loading and parking requirements, additional landscaping, and additional improvements such as curbing, sidewalks and screening. Related Advisory Board Recommendations: The Project Review Committee considered this proposal at their meeting on March 27, 2002. They recommend that the tower not be painted green as proposed, but left unpainted so it may better blend into the skyline. Commission Action Options: The Commission has final authority over the Conditional Use Permit and associated site plan. The options regarding the use permit are: 1. Approval as submitted; 2. Approval with conditions relating to specific site characteristics or with time limitations; 3. Denial with specified reasons for denial; 4. Table; or 5. Defer action to a specified date. Supporting Materials: 1. Location Map 2. Application 3. Site Plan 4. Staff Review Comments #3 5. Visual Impact Analysis 6. Two letter and memo from Sprint 7. PRC minutes from March 27, 2002 3 NOTIFICATION: Legal Notice Publication(s): The Eagle: 4-3-02 Advertised Commission Hearing Dates(s): 4-18-02 Number of Notices Mailed to Property Owners Within 500': 14 Response Received: None as of date of staff report. 4 SPRINT COM CULPEPPER WTF SUMMARY Slide 2 (SAM) The proposed tower is off of South College behind the University Square Shopping Center. If the Commission approves the tower's stealth design, I recommend approval of the use and site plan with Staff Comments #3. The Land Use Plan designates the area as Redevelopment. The subject property is currently zoned NG-2 Commerical Northgate and is abutted by NG-3 Residential. The nearest residence is approximately 103 ft. from the tower site. BACKGROUND/CUP Slide 3 (picture) The 84-ft. tower will be designed to resemble a light standard with lights extended from it at 20 ft. The height of the shopping center is about 30 ft. The PRC -kkl recommends that # be left g y so it may better blend into its surroundings. The applicant has submitted pictures to help you analyze the visual impact of the project. RECOMMENDATION Slide 4 (The Commission must find...) The Zoning Ordinance gives the Commission certain authority when considering cell towers. It states that • you shall consider the design of the tower, because major wireless telecommunication facilities are allowed in Northgate only if they are stealth. • you should also find that the project complies with development regulations and the Comprehensive Plan • And that it won't harm the surrounding neighborhood, occupants, or property. The ordinance further calls the Commission to consider skyline and shadow impacts, distance to residential, economic impact, proposed ingress and egress, and availability of alternatives. OPTIONS Slide 5 (Options) The Commission is the final authority on this matter. You may: • Approve; • Approve with conditions; • Deny; • Table; or • Defer action. One person called to inquire about this case. May I answer any questions for you?